Review

Ludwig Maurer
Three Pieces:

Arranged by Neal Bennett

Trombone Quintet: five trombones: 1 alto, 3 tenor, 1 bass trombone

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2020
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score and parts.

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 5 trombones

Trombone virtuoso Neal Bennett is best known to Canadian audiences as a co-founder of I Tromboni, "The Team Canada of Trombones.” This quintet of trombonists has performed at major venues all across Canada. Neal was recently appointed as professor of trombone and low brass at the Conservatoire de Musique et d'Art Dramatique du Québec. These three pieces are taken from a set of 12, originally written for two B-flat cornets, two E-flat horns and bass trombone. Three Pieces by Ludwig William Maurer (1789-1878) is a favorite among brass quintet musicians. It was published in St. Petersburg in 1871, three years after his death. These are among the earliest significant brass chamber works from St. Petersburg. Their short, simple structures point to older ceremonial traditions in brass music; they require delicacy and nuance.
Neal Bennett has fastidiously taken the original score and lowered it a minor third from E-flat to C; C minor to A minor. The first trombone part is given in alto clef, and soars up to e². It will sound marvelous on alto. This part is reminiscent of the first trombone in Beethoven's 5th Symphony in terms of its tessitura. The second trombone part is in tenor clef and covers the usual orchestral range found in first trombone parts. Both parts are a challenge in the new keys and in this sophisticated style that requires finesse. The bass trombone part is written down to pedal G but is not extremely challenging. An experienced, mature group will find this a wonderful arrangement of one of the favorites of the brass world. They still sound like a set of joyous drinking songs in any arrangement...